I hiked Otter Creek Wilderness at the Otter Creek Trailhead (Condon Run) for 3 miles last month. Very wet conditions! I had new hiking shoes with good tread on the bottoms, or I couldn’t do it! This was a few weeks after I dislocated my shoulder on the High Falls of the Cheat Trail. My friend and I had to hike out on the railroad rather than the trail because I couldn’t do the elevation with my shoulder popped out of place. 5 miles, a drive back to her car, and an ER visit later, I got it popped back into place under anesthesia. I’m glad you both emphasize safety in your video. I love my state and nature, but injuries can happen.
Hi Rachel!! Thanks so much for watching and commenting! Wow your story about the dislocated shoulder is very similar to our incident we had 3 years ago. Lisa and I were backpacking at halfmoon mountain in WV and she shattered her left arm. Had to hike out 3 miles and drive one hour to Winchester to the E.R. She ended up having surgery to repair and now has a titanium plate holding her bones together. We actually have a video about that trip if you wanna see what happened. But yeah, regarding safety, it needs to be emphasized more. Lots of folks put out adventure videos but rarely do we ever hear anyone talking about risk and safety. Even the most experienced adventurers can have accidents. In this case, after assessing the situation, we felt it was best to turn around and go back the way we came. Anyway, glad your shoulder is better and you're back out there. we hope to get back to Otter Creek again one day. Maybe in the Fall next time. Have a great day!!
I just finished the full loop. Incredibly lucky because it seems to be going through an extended drought. Very little mud and low creek conditions. Good move turning around, the descent on Green Mtn to the creek was s brutal, even in good conditions.
@@dougcolafella9384 awesome, glad you were able to complete the loop! We think about that hike often, still wondering how or where we went wrong. Not sure if we were even on the right trail at the end there or maybe just an animal path. The conditions were rough so I still think it was a good decision to turn around. Have a great day and happy trails!!
@@ottmountain733 you were probably on the right trail....it was really tight in places. Especially a narriow section of Green Mtn where there was a huge timber rattler on the trail that was choked in on both sides with rhododendron. Had to quietly walk past just a few feet from the big guy....he just looked at me and let me pass on by!
I had a great time here. Small area, perfect for a few days. It was hard to find the trail back to my car on the east side, but it was a good mix of scenery and I never saw another person the whole time I was there.
Otter Creek is some of the best WV wilderness available. Gorgeous creek, tons of wildlife (I see bears every time), scenic overlooks, swimming holes, . I'd never go in there without solid practice with map and compass. Trails can be difficult to find intersections. This place is not for folks just wanting to bag peaks. It is best for skilled backpackers who want isolation and a mild challenge. Just did a 3 day 30 mile route through there with my 14 year old son and we were fine. We loved running the gauntlet at the top of Green Mountain. THERE IS TERRIFIC OVERLOOK UP THERE WHERE GREEN MOUNTAIN AND SHAVERS COME TOGETHER!
Sleepy Fred thank you for the comment! When we were there, the trail was completely overgrown with mountain laurel and the trail itself - when we could find it - was under water due to the heavy rains that fell the day before. I’m a skilled map reader and orienteer. Been backpacking since the 70’s all over the US. I also had a custom topo map that we had made specifically for this trip so I think our level of preparedness was good. We’re looking forward to getting back out there again sometime in the future. Hopefully we’ll have better trail conditions when we do.! Take care and have a great day!
Hi Cynthia, thank you!! You're absolutely right, the theme of this video was really about safety and risk management and what to do when plans change. We had a very solid plan in place before the trip but conditions changed or were different than we had imagined (swamped, overgrown trail, no trail markers, unsettled weather). When forward progress became (in our opinion) no longer safe, we made the decision to go back where we came and not further put ourselves at risk of getting lost or other. Thanks again for your comment! Have a great weekend
well with that title i had to check it out.. Awesome hike! especially awesome to take it from here at home where i stay dry! hahaha at about 13:13, love this swampy scene/ rough trail or not looks like you all had a pretty good time/ super fun video thanks for taking us with you
Hey man, thanks for watching! We always try to make the most out of our trips, even when they don't go according to plan. Glad we're heading to the beach for our next adventure. We need a break from the swamps, mud and brambles, lol.
I just finished a week long backpacking trip and used otter creek wilderness as my first point of entry. Attempted from 33 East trailhead access location and desired to hike from south end to northern most tip, following the creek to the east until I made it to the automobile road that heads into Hendricks. What actually happened: Accidentally ended up on Green Mountain. Got lost on Green Mountain because where trail seems like it ought to go is not where the trail did go. Lost compass due to slippery conditions. Finally made it to the northern river heading east as the wilderness opens up into an expansive meadow. What it actually is: a mile radius swamp where one's foot sinks beyond the ankles with every step. As sun sets, still stuck in swamp, and again, without a trail. Finally make it to eastern tree line where a camp site can be seen after using the last rays of sun to locate the trail. Unsuccessful. The next morning, I searched for where the trail accesses the road. Believed I was on it. Wrong. Ended up on another mountain trail that took me south, finally reaching a fast paced river nearly impassable. After crossing, immediately confronted with several trail selections not marked on my map. Using common sense and the sun, ended up back at the three part partition at the center of the zone, one going north, the other west, the other east, and realized, I had gone in a circle. That was day 2. I'd like to say the other trails in the Canaan wilderness were better, but actually, trails such as the Plantation Trail, Pointy Knob Trail, and so on, are actually worse. Don't go in May. For God's sake, don't go in May.
Oh man, sorry to hear about that! I agree about not going in May. We were there exactly one year ago and had terrible conditions up on Green Mountain. And it wasn't a matter of not being prepared or skilled at wilderness backpacking either. I had a high-detail (custom ordered) topo map and am extremely skilled at orienteering. But with the trees and mountain laurel blocking the view I couldn't reference any natural formations to triangulate our position. We couldn't find our trail cut-off and night was approaching quickly. Add to that no reliable water sources....In that situation we felt our best bet was to turn back and re-trace our steps the next day. Still, I think this wilderness area has lots of potential to be great. It just needs some serious trail maintenance, signage and possibly some wood bridges to cross over the swampy areas. So, what happened to your trip? So I gotta ask, did you complete the trip as planned or do an alternate version?
In the end, I'm glad I did the trip. I ended up exploring other parts of that zone, and finally bit the bullet and drove to Hendricks to finish the rest, beginning by hiking the bike trail that goes along Blackwater canyon to Thomas, an incredibly beautiful hike, but honestly, other trails that I mentioned were far worse than Otter Creek Wilderness. For instance, I spent 14 hours walking on my last day, hiking from the southern most part of the Pointy Knob Trail to Lindy Point Trail to see the overlook, back to Hendricks taking some Forest roads near Table Rock. I know this because I started hiking at 6:00 AM and didn't get back to my car until 10:00 P.M., factoring about 2 hours for filtering water, making sandwiches, and stuffing toilet paper into my boots. Looking at the distance on a map, it seems almost funny that it would take so long, and I'm a 28 year old, fit guy who was all business about it. Hiking the road back to Hendricks, I did see an Otter Creek Trailhead, which DOES mean that indeed, the map is correct, and the trail should connect to that road. I was tempted to see how many yards ended up costing me making the hour drive to get up there, but I was too tired, and it was dark. Also, it's a funny thing about Shaver's Mt. Trail. Taking some unkown trail south, I never saw the turn off to the Green Mt. Trail, and taking Green Mt. Trail north, I never saw the Shaver's Mt. Trail turn off. I'm inclined to say that it no longer exists until it's remanaged. Also, I don't know how you feel about it, but when I started to really get lost in Otter Creek, it seemed many more trails exist than what's on the fs.usda.gov site. I could be blamed for not taking a GPS, but I didn't because according to the map, there are no other trails that go from near the Dry Fork Trailhead back south, and yet, some how, I completed a circle, possibly on unofficial trails, or private property, I don't know. I'll be vexed for a long time not knowing.
I made a trip out here probably the weekend after you guys were out there and had a similar experience. It wasn't as wet, but the trails were CRAZY overgrown. I was planning on doing the same loop, but had a family tell me when I reached Mylius Gap that there is a closer campsite near Otter Creek. I actually ended up walking right past where I wanted to camp on day two (looks like where you guys actually camped) and ended up doing a quick hike back to my car. Great video! You guys have such a fun personality!
Oh man, yeah it was incredibly overgrown! I'm gonna subscribe to your channel now and watch your video tomorrow when I have a some free time. I'm really interested to see how your trip went. You know I was expecting Otter Creek to be a good alternative to Dolly Sods which I felt is too busy with people. However, aside from a few good locations on the trail, this was overall a really crappy trail. If we lived closer I could see volunteering for a trail maintenance crew but we're like 4 hours away. Thanks so much for watching and subscribing!
OTT MOUNTAIN with a nickname like “Otter”, I’d expect nothing less but for you to be excited about Otter Creek. 😉 I like the landscape and diversity of the Sods much better than the little I’ve seen of Otter Creek. I mean, come on - you can’t beat some of the views from the Sods. Where are you traveling from? I’m about 4 hours out myself. I live in Steubenville - about 40 minutes west of Pittsburgh.
Haha, yeah my nickname is Otter and that was my birthday weekend so we thought this would be an epic trip for us. We live in Fredericksburg, VA about an hour south of DC. We've been to Dolly Sods 4 times and I agree, after Otter Creek I've learned to appreciate it more. I think the next time we do the Sods, we'll avoid those congested camping spots near the confluence of the rivers and try to find other places maybe off the trail to camp. We love camping in solitude but just haven't found that yet at the sods but are going to give it another shot. Have you been to the Cranberry Wilderness? That's another one we haven't tried yet but plan on it one of these days.
Shenandoah is probably super close to you guys, then! I noticed you had a few videos on your channel from that area. I haven't done a ton of backpacking out there, but there are some nicely secluded spots out there that I've camped at and some gorgeous views! I've come to really love the Sods, it's becoming a second home to me. You said it best, people LOVE to camp around the water. A little exploring off trail can end in some really spectacular finds. I actually haven't made it to Cranberry yet. I had a gentleman tell me about it when I was at Spruce Knob for the first time a few years back and have wanted to go since. The drive is a little lengthy, though. I had some friends go to Seneca Creek Wilderness a few months back and it looks amazing there. A spot I definitely am interested in checking out! If you're looking for a relaxing, secluded hike, check out Forbes State Forest in PA. The hikes are short and easy, and you can camp practically anywhere on state forest property. I posted a little explanation on The Outbound's site, check it out her -> theoutbound.com/pennsylvania/backpacking/primitive-camp-along-wolf-rocks-trail
Thanks Tim, Shenandoah is nice but we actually prefer the GWNF and Jefferson NF for hiking. Less people, less regulations and some really nice trails. For Forbes SF, we'll check it out. we haven't done any camping or hiking yet in PA so we'd definitely like to get up there at some point
Omg, I just came across this and laughed hysterically. My boyfriend and I hiked/backpacked here in the Fall of 2016 and the trails were so poorly maintained that i tripped and face planted on a rock. I lost 2 teeth and have a scar on my chin. This was on day 2 of a 4 day trip. We didn't see a soul so it was just him and I. We hiked back out the next day ( 9 miles). It took many trips to a dentist, a periodontist a root canal, before I was able to get the caps...9 months later. It's a great story now but very scary when it happened. OTTER CREEK SUCKS.
Hi Sherry oh my God that’s a crazy story! So sorry it happened to you! We slipped several times as well on the trail but luckily we didn’t get injured. I think it could be a really amazing area to hike but with the trail conditions as they were when we were there I just wouldn’t recommend it. Thanks so much for watching and commenting! Have a great day!
Your video is spot on for conditions in Otter Creek. It definitely gives people the low-down for the trails there. A lot of folks go there expecting trails to be maintained and marked like Dolly Sods. You can actually get lost for real in Otter Creek. I often go there and see no other hikers. It is one of my favs. It is most generally wet and muddy most of the time. The intersections on most trails are not marked, especially on top. I have never seen the part of Green Mtn Trail between Possession camp and Shavers without nasty, stinky mud. But it can be so amazing when the Rhodies and Mt Laurel are in full bloom. There are several virgin hemlock on top of Shavers Mtn; not too many of those left in the east. A better hike (relatively speaking) is Otter Creek Trail itself. It is still a bit nasty in places and overgrown, but is more traveled, but the crossings can be very bad in high water. There are several relocation areas due to the slides from Hurricane Sandy. Going back is a good decision. The "trail" you were on goes on across Shavers Mtn, unofficially. You were indeed at the old shelter site. Just across from that, should have been a trail to a decent spring, although I think you had more than enough water. I really liked your video!
Hey, thanks so much for watching and commenting! It definitely felt remote and wild on that trail. I had been planning this trip for a few months and had unrealistic expectations of what we would find. In my mind, I imagined we'd have amazing views up on the ridge followed by an epic trek down the river. But everything was just so overgrown and soggy on the ridge. Our "safety first" philosophy meant we really had no choice but to go back. I had absolutely no clue where the trail turned west at the Green Mtn Trail. FYI we did end up filtering water right out of the spring which was not much more than a gurgling trickle of water coming right out of the ground. All in all a great trip and I am definitely appreciative of all the good folks that maintain our trails. There are just so many trails and so few volunteers to help with the maintenance. Take care my friend
This looked like a fun hike, aside from the mud. The forest looks like it has "that feel" to it. I clapped twice hahaha. Not because I wanted you to go back, just to mess with the system. Looks like you caught me😂 Nice looking camp site and Happy birthday👍
I watched this late last night, sorry you guys didnt enjoy this. You are right those trail conditions suck and thats how people get disoriented in the woods. I know I live a couple hours away from here, and glad you guys did this, you saved me some time. I still think the better trails in this area that show the mountainous views is near the Blackwater Falls area. I havent done those trails in years so they too may be overgrown. It has been non stop rain here in WV for the whole month. Either every day or 4 of the7 days have been rain in a week for the last month it seems....I still havent been able to get my garden out.
Thanks for watching! We actually did have a good time in the end but had to adjust our plan due to conditions on the ground. We also stayed a night at Stuart Recreation area not far from there which we'll have a video out on soon. We were at Blackwater Falls for New Years a couple of years ago and really enjoyed the visit there. Did some of the trails but didn't shoot any video. Yeah it's been rainy here in Virginia too. We're skipping the garden this year I think.
Always wanted to visit that wilderness...but like most wilderness areas in WV I'm sure it's easy to get lost. That's the price you pay for the solitude I guess. And you sure can't count on GPS in there. I'm staying away from WV until the fall when things dry up. Looks like a monsoon. lol
We had been eyeing that wilderness for a while. In my mind, I imagined it as a less-crowded alternative to Dolly Sods. At first it seemed to be. The trail up to Mylius Gap was really pretty. But up on Shaver's Mountain it all went jungle and swampy on us. I think you're right, Fall should be a good time to go once all the green is gone. Next time we go I think we'll just hike up Otter Creek and avoid the mountain altogether. BTW, thanks for watching!!
Looks like a nice hike. I suppose no wildlife viewings? I've thought about backpacking Otter Creek Wilderness, just haven't done it yet. I did hike in there once a few years back. Maybe three miles round trip.
Hey thanks for watching! We just saw some birds and bugs but nothing of the mammal variety. If you go back to Otter Creek, I would definitely avoid Shaver's Mountain. It's too much of a mess. I would stick to an out and back hike along the Otter Creek itself - which could also be a mess but I know it's more travelled so I'd imagine the trails are better.
West Virginia sucks. I was borne there. My life has been much better since I left. I will never go back. It's sad because the place is beautiful. The people who live there ruin it. Choose a better vacation.
I hiked Otter Creek Wilderness at the Otter Creek Trailhead (Condon Run) for 3 miles last month. Very wet conditions! I had new hiking shoes with good tread on the bottoms, or I couldn’t do it!
This was a few weeks after I dislocated my shoulder on the High Falls of the Cheat Trail. My friend and I had to hike out on the railroad rather than the trail because I couldn’t do the elevation with my shoulder popped out of place. 5 miles, a drive back to her car, and an ER visit later, I got it popped back into place under anesthesia. I’m glad you both emphasize safety in your video. I love my state and nature, but injuries can happen.
Hi Rachel!! Thanks so much for watching and commenting! Wow your story about the dislocated shoulder is very similar to our incident we had 3 years ago. Lisa and I were backpacking at halfmoon mountain in WV and she shattered her left arm. Had to hike out 3 miles and drive one hour to Winchester to the E.R. She ended up having surgery to repair and now has a titanium plate holding her bones together. We actually have a video about that trip if you wanna see what happened. But yeah, regarding safety, it needs to be emphasized more. Lots of folks put out adventure videos but rarely do we ever hear anyone talking about risk and safety. Even the most experienced adventurers can have accidents. In this case, after assessing the situation, we felt it was best to turn around and go back the way we came. Anyway, glad your shoulder is better and you're back out there. we hope to get back to Otter Creek again one day. Maybe in the Fall next time. Have a great day!!
I just finished the full loop. Incredibly lucky because it seems to be going through an extended drought. Very little mud and low creek conditions. Good move turning around, the descent on Green Mtn to the creek was s brutal, even in good conditions.
@@dougcolafella9384 awesome, glad you were able to complete the loop! We think about that hike often, still wondering how or where we went wrong. Not sure if we were even on the right trail at the end there or maybe just an animal path. The conditions were rough so I still think it was a good decision to turn around. Have a great day and happy trails!!
@@ottmountain733 you were probably on the right trail....it was really tight in places. Especially a narriow section of Green Mtn where there was a huge timber rattler on the trail that was choked in on both sides with rhododendron. Had to quietly walk past just a few feet from the big guy....he just looked at me and let me pass on by!
I had a great time here. Small area, perfect for a few days. It was hard to find the trail back to my car on the east side, but it was a good mix of scenery and I never saw another person the whole time I was there.
Glad you had a good hike! We’d love to get back there again and complete the loop.
Doing this trail this weekend. Haven’t went in 20 years
@@ElkinsEric let us know how it goes!
@@ottmountain733 changed it up. Thunderstorms are imminent…so we’re going to Seneca Creek and Big Run instead.
Otter Creek is some of the best WV wilderness available. Gorgeous creek, tons of wildlife (I see bears every time), scenic overlooks, swimming holes, . I'd never go in there without solid practice with map and compass. Trails can be difficult to find intersections. This place is not for folks just wanting to bag peaks. It is best for skilled backpackers who want isolation and a mild challenge. Just did a 3 day 30 mile route through there with my 14 year old son and we were fine. We loved running the gauntlet at the top of Green Mountain. THERE IS TERRIFIC OVERLOOK UP THERE WHERE GREEN MOUNTAIN AND SHAVERS COME TOGETHER!
Sleepy Fred thank you for the comment! When we were there, the trail was completely overgrown with mountain laurel and the trail itself - when we could find it - was under water due to the heavy rains that fell the day before. I’m a skilled map reader and orienteer. Been backpacking since the 70’s all over the US. I also had a custom topo map that we had made specifically for this trip so I think our level of preparedness was good. We’re looking forward to getting back out there again sometime in the future. Hopefully we’ll have better trail conditions when we do.! Take care and have a great day!
Very helpful advice for hiking in difficult messy conditions. Thanks!!
Hi Cynthia, thank you!! You're absolutely right, the theme of this video was really about safety and risk management and what to do when plans change. We had a very solid plan in place before the trip but conditions changed or were different than we had imagined (swamped, overgrown trail, no trail markers, unsettled weather). When forward progress became (in our opinion) no longer safe, we made the decision to go back where we came and not further put ourselves at risk of getting lost or other. Thanks again for your comment! Have a great weekend
well with that title i had to check it out.. Awesome hike! especially awesome to take it from here at home where i stay dry! hahaha at about 13:13, love this swampy scene/ rough trail or not looks like you all had a pretty good time/ super fun video thanks for taking us with you
Hey man, thanks for watching! We always try to make the most out of our trips, even when they don't go according to plan. Glad we're heading to the beach for our next adventure. We need a break from the swamps, mud and brambles, lol.
I just finished a week long backpacking trip and used otter creek wilderness as my first point of entry. Attempted from 33 East trailhead access location and desired to hike from south end to northern most tip, following the creek to the east until I made it to the automobile road that heads into Hendricks. What actually happened: Accidentally ended up on Green Mountain. Got lost on Green Mountain because where trail seems like it ought to go is not where the trail did go. Lost compass due to slippery conditions. Finally made it to the northern river heading east as the wilderness opens up into an expansive meadow. What it actually is: a mile radius swamp where one's foot sinks beyond the ankles with every step. As sun sets, still stuck in swamp, and again, without a trail. Finally make it to eastern tree line where a camp site can be seen after using the last rays of sun to locate the trail. Unsuccessful. The next morning, I searched for where the trail accesses the road. Believed I was on it. Wrong. Ended up on another mountain trail that took me south, finally reaching a fast paced river nearly impassable. After crossing, immediately confronted with several trail selections not marked on my map. Using common sense and the sun, ended up back at the three part partition at the center of the zone, one going north, the other west, the other east, and realized, I had gone in a circle. That was day 2. I'd like to say the other trails in the Canaan wilderness were better, but actually, trails such as the Plantation Trail, Pointy Knob Trail, and so on, are actually worse. Don't go in May. For God's sake, don't go in May.
Oh man, sorry to hear about that! I agree about not going in May. We were there exactly one year ago and had terrible conditions up on Green Mountain. And it wasn't a matter of not being prepared or skilled at wilderness backpacking either. I had a high-detail (custom ordered) topo map and am extremely skilled at orienteering. But with the trees and mountain laurel blocking the view I couldn't reference any natural formations to triangulate our position. We couldn't find our trail cut-off and night was approaching quickly. Add to that no reliable water sources....In that situation we felt our best bet was to turn back and re-trace our steps the next day. Still, I think this wilderness area has lots of potential to be great. It just needs some serious trail maintenance, signage and possibly some wood bridges to cross over the swampy areas. So, what happened to your trip? So I gotta ask, did you complete the trip as planned or do an alternate version?
In the end, I'm glad I did the trip. I ended up exploring other parts of that zone, and finally bit the bullet and drove to Hendricks to finish the rest, beginning by hiking the bike trail that goes along Blackwater canyon to Thomas, an incredibly beautiful hike, but honestly, other trails that I mentioned were far worse than Otter Creek Wilderness. For instance, I spent 14 hours walking on my last day, hiking from the southern most part of the Pointy Knob Trail to Lindy Point Trail to see the overlook, back to Hendricks taking some Forest roads near Table Rock. I know this because I started hiking at 6:00 AM and didn't get back to my car until 10:00 P.M., factoring about 2 hours for filtering water, making sandwiches, and stuffing toilet paper into my boots. Looking at the distance on a map, it seems almost funny that it would take so long, and I'm a 28 year old, fit guy who was all business about it. Hiking the road back to Hendricks, I did see an Otter Creek Trailhead, which DOES mean that indeed, the map is correct, and the trail should connect to that road. I was tempted to see how many yards ended up costing me making the hour drive to get up there, but I was too tired, and it was dark. Also, it's a funny thing about Shaver's Mt. Trail. Taking some unkown trail south, I never saw the turn off to the Green Mt. Trail, and taking Green Mt. Trail north, I never saw the Shaver's Mt. Trail turn off. I'm inclined to say that it no longer exists until it's remanaged. Also, I don't know how you feel about it, but when I started to really get lost in Otter Creek, it seemed many more trails exist than what's on the fs.usda.gov site. I could be blamed for not taking a GPS, but I didn't because according to the map, there are no other trails that go from near the Dry Fork Trailhead back south, and yet, some how, I completed a circle, possibly on unofficial trails, or private property, I don't know. I'll be vexed for a long time not knowing.
I made a trip out here probably the weekend after you guys were out there and had a similar experience. It wasn't as wet, but the trails were CRAZY overgrown. I was planning on doing the same loop, but had a family tell me when I reached Mylius Gap that there is a closer campsite near Otter Creek. I actually ended up walking right past where I wanted to camp on day two (looks like where you guys actually camped) and ended up doing a quick hike back to my car.
Great video! You guys have such a fun personality!
Oh man, yeah it was incredibly overgrown! I'm gonna subscribe to your channel now and watch your video tomorrow when I have a some free time. I'm really interested to see how your trip went. You know I was expecting Otter Creek to be a good alternative to Dolly Sods which I felt is too busy with people. However, aside from a few good locations on the trail, this was overall a really crappy trail. If we lived closer I could see volunteering for a trail maintenance crew but we're like 4 hours away. Thanks so much for watching and subscribing!
OTT MOUNTAIN with a nickname like “Otter”, I’d expect nothing less but for you to be excited about Otter Creek. 😉 I like the landscape and diversity of the Sods much better than the little I’ve seen of Otter Creek. I mean, come on - you can’t beat some of the views from the Sods.
Where are you traveling from? I’m about 4 hours out myself. I live in Steubenville - about 40 minutes west of Pittsburgh.
Haha, yeah my nickname is Otter and that was my birthday weekend so we thought this would be an epic trip for us. We live in Fredericksburg, VA about an hour south of DC. We've been to Dolly Sods 4 times and I agree, after Otter Creek I've learned to appreciate it more. I think the next time we do the Sods, we'll avoid those congested camping spots near the confluence of the rivers and try to find other places maybe off the trail to camp. We love camping in solitude but just haven't found that yet at the sods but are going to give it another shot. Have you been to the Cranberry Wilderness? That's another one we haven't tried yet but plan on it one of these days.
Shenandoah is probably super close to you guys, then! I noticed you had a few videos on your channel from that area. I haven't done a ton of backpacking out there, but there are some nicely secluded spots out there that I've camped at and some gorgeous views!
I've come to really love the Sods, it's becoming a second home to me. You said it best, people LOVE to camp around the water. A little exploring off trail can end in some really spectacular finds.
I actually haven't made it to Cranberry yet. I had a gentleman tell me about it when I was at Spruce Knob for the first time a few years back and have wanted to go since. The drive is a little lengthy, though. I had some friends go to Seneca Creek Wilderness a few months back and it looks amazing there. A spot I definitely am interested in checking out!
If you're looking for a relaxing, secluded hike, check out Forbes State Forest in PA. The hikes are short and easy, and you can camp practically anywhere on state forest property. I posted a little explanation on The Outbound's site, check it out her -> theoutbound.com/pennsylvania/backpacking/primitive-camp-along-wolf-rocks-trail
Thanks Tim, Shenandoah is nice but we actually prefer the GWNF and Jefferson NF for hiking. Less people, less regulations and some really nice trails. For Forbes SF, we'll check it out. we haven't done any camping or hiking yet in PA so we'd definitely like to get up there at some point
Omg, I just came across this and laughed hysterically. My boyfriend and I hiked/backpacked here in the Fall of 2016 and the trails were so poorly maintained that i tripped and face planted on a rock. I lost 2 teeth and have a scar on my chin. This was on day 2 of a 4 day trip. We didn't see a soul so it was just him and I. We hiked back out the next day ( 9 miles). It took many trips to a dentist, a periodontist a root canal, before I was able to get the caps...9 months later. It's a great story now but very scary when it happened. OTTER CREEK SUCKS.
Hi Sherry oh my God that’s a crazy story! So sorry it happened to you! We slipped several times as well on the trail but luckily we didn’t get injured. I think it could be a really amazing area to hike but with the trail conditions as they were when we were there I just wouldn’t recommend it. Thanks so much for watching and commenting! Have a great day!
Your video is spot on for conditions in Otter Creek. It definitely gives people the low-down for the trails there. A lot of folks go there expecting trails to be maintained and marked like Dolly Sods. You can actually get lost for real in Otter Creek. I often go there and see no other hikers. It is one of my favs. It is most generally wet and muddy most of the time. The intersections on most trails are not marked, especially on top. I have never seen the part of Green Mtn Trail between Possession camp and Shavers without nasty, stinky mud. But it can be so amazing when the Rhodies and Mt Laurel are in full bloom. There are several virgin hemlock on top of Shavers Mtn; not too many of those left in the east. A better hike (relatively speaking) is Otter Creek Trail itself. It is still a bit nasty in places and overgrown, but is more traveled, but the crossings can be very bad in high water. There are several relocation areas due to the slides from Hurricane Sandy. Going back is a good decision. The "trail" you were on goes on across Shavers Mtn, unofficially. You were indeed at the old shelter site. Just across from that, should have been a trail to a decent spring, although I think you had more than enough water. I really liked your video!
Hey, thanks so much for watching and commenting! It definitely felt remote and wild on that trail. I had been planning this trip for a few months and had unrealistic expectations of what we would find. In my mind, I imagined we'd have amazing views up on the ridge followed by an epic trek down the river. But everything was just so overgrown and soggy on the ridge. Our "safety first" philosophy meant we really had no choice but to go back. I had absolutely no clue where the trail turned west at the Green Mtn Trail. FYI we did end up filtering water right out of the spring which was not much more than a gurgling trickle of water coming right out of the ground. All in all a great trip and I am definitely appreciative of all the good folks that maintain our trails. There are just so many trails and so few volunteers to help with the maintenance. Take care my friend
Not great conditions but great video. Glad you were still able to make the most out of it. Just for the record, I am a fan of the "R" word.
Hey Lee, thanks a lot! We love the R word too - we try to sneak in at least one per video, lol I say, "embrace the Ridonculous"
This looked like a fun hike, aside from the mud. The forest looks like it has "that feel" to it. I clapped twice hahaha. Not because I wanted you to go back, just to mess with the system. Looks like you caught me😂 Nice looking camp site and Happy birthday👍
Thanks man, we loved playing with "interactive TH-cam" for the first time in history, lol
I watched this late last night, sorry you guys didnt enjoy this. You are right those trail conditions suck and thats how people get disoriented in the woods. I know I live a couple hours away from here, and glad you guys did this, you saved me some time.
I still think the better trails in this area that show the mountainous views is near the Blackwater Falls area. I havent done those trails in years so they too may be overgrown.
It has been non stop rain here in WV for the whole month. Either every day or 4 of the7 days have been rain in a week for the last month it seems....I still havent been able to get my garden out.
Thanks for watching! We actually did have a good time in the end but had to adjust our plan due to conditions on the ground. We also stayed a night at Stuart Recreation area not far from there which we'll have a video out on soon. We were at Blackwater Falls for New Years a couple of years ago and really enjoyed the visit there. Did some of the trails but didn't shoot any video. Yeah it's been rainy here in Virginia too. We're skipping the garden this year I think.
ALMOST HEAVEN, WEST VIRGINIA
Great video! Beautiful area too! Sure swampy conditions though!
Always wanted to visit that wilderness...but like most wilderness areas in WV I'm sure it's easy to get lost. That's the price you pay for the solitude I guess. And you sure can't count on GPS in there. I'm staying away from WV until the fall when things dry up. Looks like a monsoon. lol
We had been eyeing that wilderness for a while. In my mind, I imagined it as a less-crowded alternative to Dolly Sods. At first it seemed to be. The trail up to Mylius Gap was really pretty. But up on Shaver's Mountain it all went jungle and swampy on us. I think you're right, Fall should be a good time to go once all the green is gone. Next time we go I think we'll just hike up Otter Creek and avoid the mountain altogether. BTW, thanks for watching!!
Looks like a nice hike. I suppose no wildlife viewings?
I've thought about backpacking Otter Creek Wilderness, just haven't done it yet. I did hike in there once a few years back. Maybe three miles round trip.
Hey thanks for watching! We just saw some birds and bugs but nothing of the mammal variety. If you go back to Otter Creek, I would definitely avoid Shaver's Mountain. It's too much of a mess. I would stick to an out and back hike along the Otter Creek itself - which could also be a mess but I know it's more travelled so I'd imagine the trails are better.
LOL, yeah - we go every May and have had bad weather just about every year.
clap clap
you knew that was coming...right?
Haha, yep, we knew we could count on you guys for two claps!
OTT MOUNTAIN seriously though, that hike was TOUGH! Glad you shared it.
West Virginia sucks. I was borne there. My life has been much better since I left. I will never go back. It's sad because the place is beautiful. The people who live there ruin it. Choose a better vacation.